Archaeoastronomy and Ancient Technologies (Dec 2016)
Archaeoastronomical analysis of the burial assemblage with rectangular small ditch and joining banks (Kobyakovo necropolis)
Abstract
This article describes the method and results of archaeoastronomical analysis of Maeotian burial assemblage from the necropolis of Kobyakovo hillfort (Rostov-on-Don, Russia). Research of burial assemblage with ditches and jumpers from Kobyakovo necropolis was made to clarify the religious beliefs of Meotians and ascertain possible relationships their rituals with celestial cults. From the written evidence about Meotians only to message of Maximus of Tyre (VIII, 8) was known that Maeotians considered Meotian Lake (Meotida) as a god. The article presents the results of archaeoastronomical analyze of burial assemblage, surrounded by a rectangular small ditch with joining bank, dating back to the first centuries AD. For the study of this assemblage was designed by a more accurate method archaeoastronomical analysis, comprising carrying out iteration on the calculation of azimuths with considering the visible horizon, obtained by HeyWhatsThat program, and given the atmospheric refraction at low altitudes, which is calculated by means empirical formula Bennett. Results archaeoastronomical analysis using the developed method showed that planigraphy burial assemblage with the burial 21 and in the location of pottery fragments and stones in the small ditch there are some astronomical regularities, indicating possible availability of a basic understanding of the features of the visible movement of the Sun and the Moon at inhabitants of Kobyakov settlement - Maeotians. Also, with the help the developed method, it was found that in a narrow sector to the east of the necropolis and hillfort there is an abnormal visibility. Due to it, residents of Kobyakov hillfort could theoretically be observed in this regard the phenomenon of visible small "jump" the Sun rising in the equinox over the riverbed, or the Moon, rising in the same direction. Choosing a place for the hillfort and necropolis with such anomalous visibility range can be regarded as an indication high religious significance for Maeotians not only Meotida, but also the Sun, Moon and the river Don.
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